Doge’s Palace struck by jewel thieves

The gems, worth tens of thousands of euros formed part of the ‘Treasures of the Mughals and Maharajahs’ exhibition at the Palace and belong to the Al Thani Collection. They were on display in the Sala dello Scrutinio when CCTV footage captured two people breaking into the case.

One thief appears to have covered for the other who opened the case and removed a gold brooch and possibly a pair of earrings. The jewel thieves made their escape by disappearing into the crowds of visitors at the exhibition even after the alarm sounded. In one final attempt to apprehend them the Palace was shut down, but they stole away with their haul. Police said their escape was aided by security staff shortages in the Palace rooms.

According to experts, the stolen pieces were ‘minor works’ compared to the other gems on display. Nonetheless, they are thought to carry an estimated value of €30,000 (£26,700).